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The 2007 Readers' Choice Awards
You liked movies about hip (and pregnant) teens, animated rats, and former CIA assassins, but most of all, you loved a film about one man who changed the world.
posted 02/12/08
The last two weeks, we've let you know our favorite movies of 2007—from the year's Most Redeeming films to our Critics' Choice list. Now it's your turn.
In voting for our annual Readers' Choice Awards, you went for films about a pregnant teen, a culinary genius of a rat, a former CIA assassin in search of his true self, and much more. But more than any other movie, you went for a soul-stirring biopic, Amazing Grace, which tells the inspiring story of William Wilberforce, a 19th Century British Parliamentarian who almost single-handedly changed the world with the abolition of the slave trade.
Here are your picks for the best movies of 2007, followed by comments from readers on each.
1. Amazing Grace
directed by Michael Apted
"Demonstrated the persistence of one man inspired by justice." "A movie that every Christian must see to understand the role we have within our cultural and social contexts." "Artistically beautiful, the story was historically engaging, and the characters were unforgettable." "A witness of God's faithfulness and love for his creation, even when we fail him." "Not only was it challenging for me as a Christian, it was also entertaining." "It made me ask myself, 'How will the world be different because I was here?'" "Rarely do movies with moral themes provide accurate historical context. Rarely do movies with great spiritual themes avoid being smarmy. This movie overcame those shortcomings." "A real life Christian hero."
(Our review.)
(Discussion Guide.)
2. Juno
directed by Jason Reitman
"Smart, funny, sweet and heart-warming, with a great message of how love and the people who love you can help you through the toughest times in life." "Juno moved me more than any movie I've seen in a long, long time." "One of the most positive messages about the gift of adoption that I have ever seen." "Great message, great acting, sharp and funny dialogue." "It dealt with teen pregnancy in a smart and refreshing way." "Ellen Page was captivating." "I laughed, I cried; a great story and real characters you really cared about." "Clever, poignant, and thoughtful reflections on pertinent issues." "Spurred the best discussions with my 15-year-old daughter." "The most emotionally satisfying movie of the year." (Our review.)
3. Ratatouille
directed by Brad Bird
"Wonderfully animated with delicious artistic detail. Great writing and storytelling that's witty and intelligent, and never stoops to being just a 'children's movie.'" "The message that nothing is impossible if you believe." "Its gentle critique of the critic and sense of beautiful and the deep goodness of loyalty, family, and honesty." "Superb artistry, compelling story, and strong voice acting." "An absolute joy to watch. I've never left a theater happier or more satisfied than I was after watching this film." "Uplifting family fare with a great message about bringing out the best in ourselves." (Our review.)
4. The Bourne Ultimatum
directed by Paul Greengrass
"ACTION!!!" "Exciting and fast-paced. You never know what's going to happen next." "I'm 75 years old and this one satisfies like they used to." "The action doesn't detract from the meaning behind the movie, and the meaning doesn't diminish the action." "Simple story. Believable action. Man seeking redemption on his own." "A fantastic wrap-up to a brilliant trilogy." "It perfected what James Bond could not." "A splendid job tying up loose ends while keeping the thrills and suspense going right up to the end." "Brought the story full circle but still left enough room for mystery." (Our review.)
5. Bella
directed by Alejandro Monteverde
"A movie about selfless and powerful love and redemption. Our society needs more of this kind of movie." "A beautiful pro-life movie." "Great depiction of real-life faith." "Superb story with unassuming but excellent cast." "One of the most beautiful and life-affirming movies I have seen in quite a while. It had a tremendous impact on me." "This is how God wants us to love ourselves and one another." "A timely and relevant sermon, but it never preaches. Performances are low-key, real, a delight to watch." "It was full of hope." (Our review.)
(Discussion Guide.)
6 (tie). 3:10 to Yuma
directed by James Mangold
"A timeless message: Integrity will always win out in the end." "The acting was just superb." "The tension never lets up." "A great underlying story of a father/son relationship." "Christian Bale played a man of high moral character willing to pay the ultimate price for his beliefs." "A great lesson and challenge of always being strong enough to do the right thing." "A classic Western with superb leading actors." "It's engaging dramatically, action-wise, and with moral complications." "Very suspenseful; kept me on the edge of my seat. (Our review.)
6 (tie). Evan Almighty
directed by Tom Shadyac
"A perfect illustration of what happens when we submit to God's plans." "Fun, hilarious family movie!!" "A movie that left you feeling inspired, and a movie that would definitely make people think about God." "Just plain fun, and a marvelous perspective in a comedic way of what Noah must have gone through." "More than a great retelling of the Noah story; it explored what faith means and how hard it is to do what you know to be right." "A good moral: God can use any of us to further his kingdom." "I know there were better films out there, but this is one my whole family enjoyed."
(Our review.)
(Discussion Guide.)
6 (tie). No Country for Old Men
directed by Ethan and Joel Coen
"A thoughtful portrayal of the power of evil in our lives. I did not find it redeeming, but it gave many insights into life, death, and sin." "Wonderful adaptation of the book." "A very unorthodox movie; it wasn't the typical good-guy-wins ending. Kept me interesting right to the end." "It haunted me for days afterwards." "The Coen brothers' best movie, with a dark yet witty script and terribly suspenseful direction that leaves you breathless in certain parts." "One of those movies where you feel like you are breathing the same air and tasting the same dirt in your mouth." "A masterpiece, pure and simple." (Our review.)
9. The Ultimate Gift
directed by Michael O. Sajbel
"It reminded me not to neglect the gifts within me, given by Jesus Christ." "Even thought they got away from the spiritual aspect of the book, they did a great job of displaying the selfish desires of our culture and showing a higher, more fulfilling road to life." "I loved the message, presented in an engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking way." "Good life lessons." "Heartwarming to see how the young man's life was changed." "The only true happiness is being in right relationship with others and with God." "Touches your heart and leaves you thinking about what really matters."
(Our review.)
10 (tie). Once
directed by John Carney
"Great story, amazing music." "This movie really touched my emotions; I couldn't stop thinking about it after I first saw it." "A simple but relatable story; people you've never seen before, but quickly grow to like; characters who make the right choice, even though it hurt." "Made my spirit soar; reminded me of an old-fashioned movie with a happy ending." "Believable and appealing characters, complex motivations, and great music. And the emotions and choices are honest and, in the end, honorable." (Official site.)
10 (tie). There Will Be Blood
directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
"Everything about it is brilliant, from its silent first 20 minutes to its disturbing yet humorous ending. Daniel Day-Lewis gives the best performance in decades." "Amazing direction and stellar performances make this one of the best movies of all time." "A movie that keeps you thinking long after you see it." "The best written and directed movie of 2007; it also has very relevant and moral themes that America needs to hear." "The direction, story, cinematography, score and performances are all filmmaking at its finest. A masterpiece." (Our review.)
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